69-year-old Tan Nam Seng has been charged with murder for allegedly stabbing to death his son-in-law, 38-year-old Spencer Tuppani Shamlal Tuppani.

In court, Tan was expressionless when the charge was read out in English.

Tan is accused of stabbing Tuppani at a coffeeshop along Boon Tat Street on Monday (10 Jul), then preventing passers-by from helping him.

He allegedly told one person who tried to help that “He’s my son-in-law, let him die”.

Tuppani was rushed to hospital but died from his wounds.

He died exactly a week before he was to celebrate his 13th anniversary.

His wife, Tan Cheng Cheng, has called for privacy.

The 43-year-old said in a statement:

“This is a double tragedy for the family. Our family has lost a loved one and my beloved father is facing a serious charge. You cannot imagine our immense grief, but please try to understand and let us have some peace.”